I get invited to industry events all the time, and it is always the events planned for event planners that are over the top and super memorable. This time around, I was floored by The Carlu Decadence Gala, celebrating 10 years since they renovated and rejuvenated their 7th floor space at College Park. They didn’t spare any expense here! My fiance doesn’t always love the hours and details of my job, but he sure loves the fact that I get invited (and get a plus one!) to awesome events like this one. If you’re looking for lavish ideas for your next gala or wedding, look no further.

If you’re looking to wow your guests from the start, have a red carpet with complimentary valet service. A great looking themed entrance also doesn’t hurt!

Make a great first impression with guests by having well dressed staff at the front entrance greeting upon entry. A signature cocktail was also a welcomed treat along with lush decor.

Speaking of lush, every corner of the room was dressed up to the nines. This vase in the Round Room was even wrapped with event graphics.

My favourite space at the Carlu, and signature to its logo, is the iconic Round Room.

Lure guests on to the dance floor with a grand chandelier and energizing DJ booth. Bellosound rocked the house! This dance floor was not empty for long.

Along with an awesome dance floor needs to be great entertainment. At one point it was a 15-piece band, with 4 string players and 6 brass instruments. It rocked my socks, seriously. Everyone was dancing! When the band took a break, four horn players around the room took turns with their solos on top of event-branded pedestals.

When I wasn’t dancing or gawking at the awesome decor, I was eating (a lot!). In the Sky Room was the fish bar from L-Eat Catering. Frozen fish hung from the ceiling, while guests lined up for delicious raw fish dishes.

Daniel et Daniel hosted what they called a Meat Bar, a round station of lamb, steak tartar and other yummy delights. Staff had shirts with the menu items so there was no need to ask “what is this you are serving?” Great idea!

Inside the main room of the Carlu was a conveyor belt station, delivering goods all night long. Guests loved it!

On to desserts, Daniel et Daniel converted their bar into a Donut and Cheese bar. It wasn’t just a regular tim hortons donut bar folks, they had flavours like Bailey’s Irish Cream and Lemoncello. Sooo good.

I don’t usually stay too long at industry events but this one was a really well done event. I had a blast. Congrats to the Carlu again for hosting such a wonderful evening and for 10 successful years!

Rebecca Chan is a Toronto wedding planner and day of wedding coordinator providing sophisticated planning for the style-savvy couple. Whether you need planning assistance or wedding day coordination, Rebecca can help you create your dream wedding day. Contact her today, she'd love to hear from you.